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Mad Cave Studios celebrates their 10 year anniversary with a new fantasy thriller. Strings is by writer Paul Tobin, artist Carlos Olivares, colorist Sara Colella and letterer Taylor esposito.
Meet Yoon-Sook Namgung
Yoon-Sook Namgung posseses the remarkable ability to see “strings” that connect people with each other. The first type of string is blue and stretches between sexual partners. Weather the sexual encounter was recent or not, Ms. Namgung can see the between people. The second type of string is black. And those connect murderers and their victims. As a result I imagine Ms. Namgung lives in a constant state of too much information (TMI).
*Spoilers ahead*
A worrysome presence
Ms. Namgung utilizes her special ability for good. She volunteers as a consultant for the Seattle Police Department. While Yoon-Sook has the best of intentions, her presence makes the officers uncomfortable, to say the least. After all, if I was a “sketchy” officer of the law, I would avoid Ms. Namgung. Nonetheless, Yoon-Sook unapologetically arrives at the precint to be of service.
A new Partner
In issue #1, Yoon-Sook meets Detective Mayfield. The latest officer to be partnered up with “that weird chick“. That’s how other officers in the precinct call Yoon-Sook. Regardless, after greeting each other, Yoon-Sook breaks into an exposition of her powers. Furthermore, she gives Mayfield and example from the people around them. As a result, Detective Mayfield becomes a proxy for us, the readers. Every single question about Yoon-Sook’s abilities is asked and answered. Throughout their first day together.
A Perfect Match
Detective Mayfield’s open mindedness is a change of paste for Yoon-Sook. Whereas Yoon’s previous partners just sat angrily in silcence. Or accused Yoon of being a witch. Mayfield on the hand, copes the awkwardness with dry humor. This enables their dynamic to be lighthearted and entertaining. Furthermore, Mayfield is very inquisitive, a personality trait that goes with being a detective. In the same way, Yoon is like an opened book. Ms. Namgung just about answers every inquiry by Mayfield. Included, but not limited to, personal questions. So, yes there is some brief background shown in this issue about Yoon.
How about the Art?
To illustrate a world takes a lot of skill and time. Carlos Olivares went the extra mile to make every single detail in this comic book look real. Such as; the police officer uniforms, the vehicles, the people in background, the food they eat, and even the inside of the police precinct is drawn meticulously to the last detail. Equally, the facial expressions of the characters match the tones of each conversation and scene. In the same fashion, sara Colella completes the task of bringing the pages to life with her coloring prowess. Colella really goes into her bag and showcases a very extensive and vibrant color palette. In conclusion, the art is very pleasent on the eyes.
I give this issue a 10 out of 10
Paul Tobin managed to write a very compelling story with a unique premise. What if you knew people’s secrets? Specifically, people’s sexual partners and murder secrets? I thought it was pretty brilliant to place the main character, Yoon-Sook Namgung, in a law enforcement enviroment. The dynamics of working with the peple that are supposed to enforce the law is quite a tension builder. However, I believe Paul Tobin did a magnificent job at exploring darker themes and balancing it out with the lighthearted demeanor of the characters. I am quite invested in this story. I highly recommend you check it out.
